Why Cashmere Jumpers Are The Quiet Hero in Any Wardrobe

Firstly, What is Cashmere?

Cashmere comes from the ultra-fine undercoat of cashmere goats. Those fine fibres trap warmth efficiently, so the knit can feel light but still warm. Limited supply and careful grading and processing are why it tends to cost more than standard wool.

Cashmere vs. Wool vs. Cashmere Blends: The Differences

Cashmere, wool, and cashmere blends can all make great jumpers. But there are clear differences which you will notice both within minutes of wearing each, and after many weeks of wear. They differ in how they feel, their warmth, how they handle friction, and how much care they need to stay looking good.

• Cashmere: Softer to the touch for many people, with warmth that feels light on the body. It suits pieces you’ll wear often, especially if you’re sensitive to itch. But because the fibres are fine, it can show pilling where there is lots of rubbing, like under a coat strap or at the cuffs, so it’s important to care for cashmere with consideration.
  

• Wool: Woollen jumpers tend to feel a bit more structured, and they generally cope well with day-to-day wear. The trade-off is that comfort can be hit or miss, depending on the quality. Some are surprisingly smooth, while others have more texture and can feel itchier.

• Merino wool: Usually softer than standard wool for many people and naturally breathable, which makes it a reliable everyday option. It’s often simpler to care for than cashmere while still feeling comfortable and warm.
  

• Blends: Best when designed with a clear purpose, such as adding durability, improving shape retention, or changing texture. Some blends can feel close to cashmere, while others feel firmer and more structured. If you’re buying mainly for the classic cashmere feel and lightweight warmth, a higher cashmere percentage usually gets you closer.

The simplest way to choose is to think about your routine. If you want light warmth and softness, cashmere often fits. If you want something more robust or lower maintenance, merino wool or the right blend may make more sense.

5 Benefits of a Cashmere Jumper

1. Softness, Straight Away

Cashmere is known for its soft handle. The best knits feel smooth on skin, without the scratch you can get from coarser fibres. Fibre fineness matters because finer fibres tend to feel softer.

2. Warmth That Feels Light

Cashmere holds warmth efficiently for its weight. That’s why it’s easy to wear indoors and out, and why it layers well without feeling heavy.

3. Comfortable Across Changing Temperatures

A well-made cashmere jumper can feel warm and breathable at the same time. It’s useful for in-between days, and for routines that move between cold streets and heated rooms.

4. Easy to Wear

A cashmere jumper is one of those pieces that makes an outfit feel finished without much effort. It works with denim for your everyday look, over a shirt for work, with tailored trousers for a cleaner look, and under a coat for extra warmth.

5. Lasts for Years

A good cashmere jumper earns its keep through repeated wear. If cared for correctly, it can hold its shape, stay soft, and keep looking good season after season. If you don't want to keep replacing jumpers, then purchase a cashmere jumper. This is the kind of piece that supports regular use and withstands the test of time.

Why are Cashmere Jumpers Expensive?

Cashmere generally costs more because there’s less of it, and it takes more care to turn it into a knit that lasts. 

• Limited supply: Cashmere makes up a small part of global wool production, so there simply isn’t the same volume as sheep’s wool.
• Low yield per goat: Each goat produces a small amount of usable fibre each year. A single jumper can require fibre from multiple goats.
• Quality, grading & fibre length: Finer fibres tend to feel softer, and longer fibres usually wear better and can help reduce pilling over time.
• Processing: Fine fibres need careful sorting and spinning. That extra time and precision in crafting the jumpers show up in the cost.

Essentially, with cashmere, you’re paying for a rarer fibre and for the work that goes into the quality. Although cashmere may be the more expensive material, it is the one piece you will not need to replace if cared for correctly. 

What to Consider When Buying a Cashmere Jumper

1. Fiber length: Long fibers (at least 1.5 inches) are a sign of premium quality, as they create smoother, more durable yarn.

2. Weight: Despite popular belief, the net gauge is an important metric. The higher the guage, the more refined and tailored it feels. Meanwhile, a lower gauge feels thicker and more substantial. 

3. Softness: Good cashmere feels luxuriously soft but not overly flimsy. Rub it gently against your skin to check.

4. Weave Density: High-quality cashmere has a dense weave or knit, making it warmer and less prone to pilling.

5. Minimal Pilling: Piling isn’t a sign of poor quality but a natural characteristic of the fibres. New cashmere may pill slightly, but excessive piling may signal lower-quality fibers. At Rise & Fall, we don't use any harsh chemicals to artificially stop pilling, as they can compromise the softness and integrity of the cashmere.

6. Certification: Look for labels like “100% Cashmere”, "grade-A cashmere", and official certifications, as mentioned above, to ensure authenticity.

What Makes Rise & Fall Cashmere Jumpers So Special?

Our cashmere jumpers start with the fibre. We use grade-A Mongolian cashmere, combed in spring as the goats naturally shed, and we focus on the details that change how a knit feels and wears over time, including fine fibres at around 15.5 microns and 34 to 36mm in length. 

That fibre is then processed through mills certified by the Good Cashmere Standard, the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, and the Responsible Wool Standard, so that sourcing and production are treated with the same care as the finished garment. 

The result is cashmere that feels soft on skin, holds warmth in a lighter knit, and is made to be worn often, backed by a direct model that keeps pricing more honest without cutting corners on materials or quality.

Cashmere Care Tips

Once you've purchased a cashmere jumper, how do you keep it looking fresh and in top condition?

Do:

• Wash gently: Hand-wash in cold water, or if you must use a washing machine, put it on a delicate, cold-water cycle inside a mesh bag.
• Dry flat: Reshape the garment while damp and lay it flat on a towel, away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Debobble: Use a cashmere comb or sweater stone to gently remove pilling.
• Store folded: Keep jumpers in breathable bags or drawers to prevent stretching.
• Clean before storage: Always wash your cashmere jumpers before storing to remove oils that attract moths.

Don't:

• Avoid heat: Never use hot water or a tumble dryer, as that can shrink cashmere jumpers.
• No over-washing: Wash every 3-4 wears to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
• No harsh chemicals : Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, which damage fibers.
• No wringing: Do not wring or twist the fabric; gently squeeze out excess water.
• No hanging: Avoid hanging wet or stored cashmere, as it will lose its shape and stretch.

If you want a deeper dive into the fibre, head to our Cashmere Material Guide and Cashmere Care Guide.

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Women’s Cashmere Jumpers & Sweaters

Men’s Cashmere Jumpers & Sweaters